Shy and reserved, the Russian blue cat hesitates to approach a stranger, but once he has bonded with a human, he becomes a loyal, home-loving pet who adores that person. Characteristics - Short, dense coat
- Silver-tipped blue fur
- Modified-wedge face
- Large green eyes
- Lengthy nose
The breed exhibits excellent health, thanks in part to its ancestry. The breed, which evolved naturally, adapted to the bitter cold of the Russian winter and consequently suffers from few of the respiratory ailments that can strike other breeds. The first Russian blues in the West were imported by sailors, no doubt because of the cats' beauty; the breed has undergone few if any changes and looks identical to blues of centuries past. The distinctive blue coloring is a mutation of black. Because the breed evolved in such a cold climate, it has retained its double coat, which offers a couple of benefits that set blues apart from most other breeds: they don't shed, and they don't have hairballs. The former makes them a good choice for people who may have allergies to other breeds. You should never brush a Russian blue's hair -- you'll brush out the silver tipping. Instead, comb it occasionally, but it actually requires very little care on your part. Tips on Choosing and Care - Choose a reputable breeder, and find out the kitten's parentage.
- Check the kitten to be sure he is well proportioned.
- Check the condition of his coat; look for telltale signs of fleas.
- He should have pink, healthy-looking gums and mouth.
- Check his ears for signs of mites.
- Make sure he has clear, bright eyes with no signs of discharge.
Web site resources for Russian blue cats: Russian Blue Cats Russian Blue Cat Breed List
RESOURCES :
Russian Blue Cat
Model: 1562395831
Author: Stuart A. Kallen
Checkerboard Library
September 1998
The Russian Blue Cat
Model: 0963412108
Author: Ingeborg Urcia
Elias Holl Press
October 1992
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